Citta' marks final day

New pub hopes to begin operations in iconic location by end of July

Heartfelt goodbye The last day of operations for Citta' is Thursday, May 29. The popular pub is closing after 30 years in Whistler.

Time has caught up with Whistler's most legendary pub in Village Square. This is the final week of operations for Citta' as the pub's lease expires Saturday, May 31.

The last day of operations is Thursday, May 29.

The owners of the Crystal Lodge and Suites will take over by launching into a renovation to convert Citta' into Beacon Pub and Eatery. Following a month of renovations the new operators promise an updated look and feel along with modern pub food and a fresh selection of beer, wine and cocktails.

A general manager has been hired and he promises world-class service with a unique Whistler spin once the Beacon launches.

"Restaurants and pubs in our resort serve as a waypoint for residents and visitors exploring the area, and our new name plays into the prominence of this particular patio and location," said John Holton, the GM of the upstart operation.

Former Citta' employees got first crack at the jobs in the new place. Holton said a number of the Citta' employees expressed interest in jobs with the new operator of the space.

For others interested in working at the new pub, a recruitment fair is set for June 4 and 5 in the Crystal Lodge lobby from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Somewhere between 25 and 35 people are going to be hired at the new operation.

Holton characterized the renovation of the space as mainly aesthetic.

"We're going to polish it up," Holton said.

The new GM has been in Whistler for the last four years working as a manager in Whistler Blackcomb's food and beverage department.

Citta' general manager Scott Gadsby said he's been letting the pub inventory decline in preparation for the final day after three decades of operations.

"May 29 is the last day and night, Friday the signs come down," said Gadsby. "Saturday we hand the keys over."

The band FOMO will play on the patio for the final evening of operations.

According to Gadsby, over the last few weeks many people have been coming in to bid Citta' farewell.

"I've had a lot of people come up to me and reflect on their first beers in Whistler with stories not unlike mine where you come here for a six-month ski trip and you stick around for extended periods," Gadsby said.

"I've had some really cool people I haven't seen in a long time coming in."

Many of the employees have found other places to work, said Gadsby. He noted a few of the workers migrated over to Stones Edge, the new operation taking over the Kypriaki space.

For Gadsby, the Citta' closure marks 15 years of working for the same employer group in various capacities.